Tailored support and funding from Business Wales help Syrian-born entrepreneur to launch his own home improvement business in Newport.
An experienced carpenter, Abdul Rahman Al Dirani faced a number of challenges after arriving to the UK. The Welsh Government’s Business Wales service was able to put together a tailored support package for Abdul in his native Arabic to help him launch his carpentry and decorating business in 2021.
- Successfully started.
- Created 1 job.
- Secured £2,000 from the Business Wales Barriers Grant.
- Signed up to the Business Wales Green Growth Pledge.
Introduction to business
With 15 years’ experience in the industry in his home country Syria, Abdul Rahman Al Dirani started ART Carpenter and Decorator to offer home improvement services, including carpentry, paining and decorating, in the Newport area.
We asked Abdul about the challenges of starting a business in a foreign country:
Why did you decide to set up your own business?
Since I arrived to the UK, I had been receiving support from Universal Credit. I decided to start working again and make money from my own business. I am experienced and hardworking and wanted to go into carpentry and decorating, as this was what I used to do for a living in my home country.
What challenges did you face?
The main challenge that I faced, which prevented me from starting a job, was the language barrier. I had to study English for 3 years, so I could contact and speak with customers. After that, I realised that I didn't have money to buy any essential tools and a van to start the business. This is why I applied for the Business Wales Barriers Grant to help me cover these costs and source the equipment.
Business Wales support
Although Abdul had a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry, he was unsure about owning a business in the UK. After a referral from Newport Council, he got in touch with Business Wales and received support in his native Arabic. His start-up business adviser Shahidul Islam helped him build his confidence, acquire skills and secure funding to get his business off the ground.
Abdul also signed up to the Business Wales Green Growth Pledge and has committed to using local suppliers, low emission vehicles, placing online orders to reduce carbon footprint and keeping electronic records of finances, quotations and invoices to reduce waste and postage.
Outcomes
- Successfully started.
- Created 1 job.
- Secured £2,000 from the Business Wales Barriers Grant.
- Signed up to the Business Wales Green Growth Pledge.
I am an experienced worker but I didn’t know how to start a business here, and didn’t speak the language. My adviser Shahid helped me a lot by making sure all communication and support was in Arabic. I am really grateful for his support, as his advice and help with the funding application meant I was able to start working again.
Future plans and ambitions
My plans are to buy more specialist tools and equipment that will help me expand the business and increase my profits. I would want to be able to provide for my family. In the future, I hope to grow my business considerably so I can benefit society by creating jobs for other people.
If you want to read more success stories of how Business Wales has helped other people like you to start or grow their businesses, visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/case-studies or follow @_businesswales / @_busnescymru on Twitter.